Test Drive: All-new 2018 Toyota Camry

Greg Zyla More Content Now

Monday

Apr 2, 2018 at 9:14 AMApr 2, 2018 at 9:39 AM

Entry Price: $23,495Price as Tested: $37,255

This week, we’re driving the eighth-generation Toyota Camry, America’s best selling midsize sedan that is truly all-new from the ground up. Sitting with a wider, lower, longer stance and available in five gasoline models and three hybrids, there’s surely a Camry out there that fits your needs if shopping the midsize sedan market.

The entry gas powered L model starts at just $23,495, followed by the LE at $24,000; the SE at $25,200; sporty XSE at $29,000, powerful XSE V6 at $34,950 and the XLE at $28,450. The hybrids start with the LE at $27,800, the SE at $29,500 and our tester this week, the top class XLE Hybrid, which starts at $32,250.

Built in Georgetown, Kentucky, Camry is now assembled on a new platform that results in more aerodynamic exterior motif, new multilink rear suspension and ultra-quiet, classy interior. The body is one inch longer while the wheelbase is two inches longer making for better rear-seat legroom in the process. Camry Hybrids also offer more trunk space and a new 60/40 folding rear seat as the electric battery is moved for 2018 from the trunk to under the rear seat. This battery move also results in better weight distribution for enhanced handling.

Although previous Camry design upgrades were bland at best, the new 2018 model is more modern looking and very appealing. The aerodynamic look starts with a new bright metallic grille and “slippery” hood layout that leads to a more aggressive windshield tilt. The roof flows nicely to an all-new rear deck that features a fresh rear tail lamp design with LED flavoring. Overall, be it hybrid or gas powered, the 2018 Camry is the best looking Camry ever. Additionally, the XLE’s 18-inch silver machined finish alloy wheels are notable, especially when it comes to Camry’s final “good looks” presentation.

Important to note is that although the Toyota Camry Hybrid engines are the same in all models, the electronics and batteries utilized are not. Specifically, the entry LE hybrid utilizes a lighter lithium-ion battery pack, while the SE and XLE rely on a heavier nickel-metal-hydride battery. With smaller 16-inch tires and lighter lithium-ion battery weight, the LE has the best EPA fuel economy of the three trims at 51 MPG city and 53 highway. The SE and XLE, which run on 18-inch tires, are rated at 44 city and 47 highway thanks to the heavier nickel battery and more creature amenities, the latter which also add to curb weight.

Camry Hybrids utilize a 14 to 1 compression 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder gas engine that delivers 118-horsepower to unite with the electric Synergy Drive motor for power. The result is 208-available horses at the accelerator, which is eight more than last year’s Camry Hybrid. As for the transmission, Toyota relies on the continuous variable CVT automatic, with four modes of EV (full electric/battery), Eco (economy), Normal and Sporty available with a push of a button. The sporty mode offers the best acceleration thanks to higher RPMs and more aggressive throttle control. The XLE Hybrid also offers steering wheel paddle shifters that mimic a six-speed automatic, but it’s still a CVT in my book. As for performance, the Camry XLE will accelerate to 60 mph in about eight seconds flat, which isn’t bad for a midsize, heavier hybrid model.

Additionally, Toyota’s Safety Sense-P package is standard on all of the hybrid models, and adds forward collision warning and mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and mitigation, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. There’s a lot more inside, and your Toyota dealer is waiting to explain everything about this all-new Toyota Camry.

Staying on safety, Camry hybrids arrive with Toyota’s Star Safety System as standard, which features 10 air bags, all the traction controls, four wheel ABS disc brakes, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert. Although our XLE has yet to be tested by government crash testing, expect top class five-star results across the board.

On the highway, Toyota Camry hybrid is a pleasure to drive. We gave the Camry a good run of over 200 miles during our week long test, and were impressed with its handling capabilities and ultra-quiet interior.

Options include a $1,050 Driver Assist package that features a birds-eye view camera, Adaptive Headlamp LED feature for $415, an $845 power and tilt moonroof and a $1,800 Audio upgrade featuring the Entune 3.0 Suite audio plus. This audio upgrade features a nine speaker JBL stereo with Clari-Fi, AM/FM/CD, SiriusXM satellite, eight-inch touchscreen, connected navigation with apps, Qi-compatible Smartphone charging and all the bells and whistles for the techies out there.

Rated as one of the best midsize sedans for 2018 by Consumer Reports, along with a bevy of compliments from other consumer publications and websites, the 2018 Toyota Camry, be it gas or hybrid, is all-new and waiting for a test drive. It’s a wonderful vehicle that delivers everything necessary, from fuel mileage to safety to comfort, for modern-era motoring.Likes: Fuel mileage, Toyota reliability, all-new design inside and out.Dislikes: Navigation system very cumbersome and confusing, not much else.

Next Week: 2018 Mazda3— Greg Zyla writes weekly for More Content Now and other Gatehouse Media publications.

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